Best things to see in Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima in 1 week!
Are you planning to visit Western Japan for the first time? How many days are you going to travel there? There are countless tourist attractions and hidden gems in Western Japan, and it could be hard to see everything you want without planning your trip in advance.
The recommended duration to travel Western Japan is one week if you wish to see the best highlights of Western Japan. In this article, I’m sharing a perfect 1-week itinerary in Western Japan, visiting the best highlights of 3 most popular cities: Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima 😉 Enjoy astonishing World Heritage sites, cultural monuments and delicious local food!
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One week in Kansai Area+Hiroshima (IN/OUT Kansai Airport)
Day 1: Arrival to Osaka
Visit Dotonbori at night is the best option. Enjoy Osaka’s soul food such as Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki. Stroll around the neon street and take pictures with famous shop displays including the Glico running man.
Day 2: Osaka
A one day sightseeing in Osaka city is very possible. See the glorious Osaka castle, visit Osaka’s downtown district called Shinsekai (the new world), do some shopping and eat till you drop. But if you want to visit Universal Studio Japan (USJ) , you may need one extra day!→USJ Tickets Available Here!
More travel info about Osaka:
▶ Best Things to Do in Osaka
▶ Recommended tours and activities in Osaka
▶ Best Restaurants in Osaka
▶ Best Areas to Drink in Osaka
▶ What to buy in Osaka
Day 3–4: Kyoto
Move to the most beautiful historical city in Japan. Kyoto can be reached within 1 hour from Osaka by train. To see the best bits of Kyoto, at least 2 days are required. Visit as many temples and historical sights as you can! Also Kyoto is great place to shop local souvenirs such as traditional crafts and matcha products 🙂
▶ Best Things to See in Kyoto
▶ Recommended tours and activities in Kyoto
▶ Best Restaurants in Kyoto
▶ What to buy in Kyoto
Day 5–6: Hiroshima
Take a bullet train (Shinkansen) to Hiroshima! Don’t miss two world heritage sites, Hiroshima peace memorial park and Miyajima island. Enjoy delicious local food of Hiroshima, such as Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki and Oysters 🙂 Back to Osaka in late afternoon to complete last shopping and supper, before the last day.
▶ Best things to see in Hiroshima
▶ Recommended tours and activities in Hiroshima
▶ What to buy in Hiroshima
Day 7: Leave from Osaka
Be sure to get to KIX airport on time! It’s approx 50 km away from the city centre and takes about 1 hour to reach by train or bus.
Shopping at last minute?? Check this out!
▶ 10 Must-Buy Souvenirs at KIX
Suggested Itineraries in Japan
▷ 3 Days in Kyoto
▷ 5 Days in Kyoto
▷ One Week in Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima
▷ 1 Week Itinerary: the Very Best of Japan for First Timers
If you are looking for more info in Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima, check below articles about things to do, what to buy and where to stay!
▼Editor’s Picks▼
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Written by
"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have spend almost a decade living and exploring countries across the world. Based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling with my readers. I hope my stories help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈